Preparation of Fe2O3/graphene composite and its electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium ion batteries

The micro-sized sphere Fe2O3 particles doped with graphene nanosheets were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. The obtained Fe2O3/graphene composite as the anode material for lithium ion batteries showed a high discharge capacity of 660 mAh g−1 during up to 100 cycles at the current density of 160 mA g−1 and good rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance of the composite can be attributed to that graphene served as dispersing medium to prevent Fe2O3 microparticles from agglomeration and provide an excellent electronic conduction pathway.